The first female golfer widely recognized in history is Mary Stuart, famously known as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Mary, Queen of Scots: A Pioneering Figure in Golf History
Mary Stuart (1542–1567), the renowned Queen of Scotland, is often credited as the earliest known female participant in the sport of golf. Her passion for the game and her active involvement distinguish her as a true pioneer in its early development.
Royal Connections and the Origin of "Caddie"
During Mary's reign, the sport of golf was flourishing in Scotland. It was within this period that the iconic St Andrews Links golf course, often revered as the "Home of Golf," was established and rose to prominence. Mary's personal connection to the game is further highlighted by her significant linguistic contribution: she is widely credited with coining the term "caddie." This term originated from her use of the word "cadets" to refer to her personal assistants or attendants who helped her carry her golf clubs around the course.
Her active participation underscores the early presence of women in golf, challenging the notion that the sport was exclusively a male domain from its inception. Mary Stuart's influence left an enduring mark, not only by shaping golf's terminology but also by cementing its historical perception as a sport embraced by royalty, and notably, by women, from its earliest recorded days.
Key Contributions of Mary, Queen of Scots to Golf:
- First Known Female Golfer: She is widely regarded as the earliest documented woman to play golf.
- Influence on St Andrews Links: Her reign coincided with the significant development and growing fame of the St Andrews golf course.
- Origin of "Caddie": Mary is credited with deriving the term "caddie" from "cadets," a word she used for her assistants on the course.
For more insights into the history of women in golf, you can explore resources like the USGA Golf Museum and Library.
